News

Former Speaker of the House sentenced to 55 months

Former Speaker of the House sentenced to 55 months

Editorial StaffOct 6, 20232 min read

Rick Vernon Johnson By John RaffelCorrespondent GRAND RAPIDS – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten announced this week that Rick Vernon Johnson, 70, of LeRoy, was sentenced to serve 55 months in federal prison and fined…

Fireman’s Ball among Marion Fire Department Fundraisers for 2023

Fireman’s Ball among Marion Fire Department Fundraisers for 2023

Editorial StaffOct 6, 20237 min read

Fire Chief David Turner demonstrates the new windshield cutter Assistant Fire Chief Bruce Tower with new Rescue 42 Stabilizers Snowmobile Club President Dave Swiler [middle] stands with Tower and Turner and donated items MARION FIREMAN’S CLUB PRESENTS:FIREMAN’S BALL AT THE…

Marion High School has week-long homecoming celebration

Editorial StaffOct 6, 20231 min read

By John RaffelCorrespondent MARION – It’s Marion High School’s homecoming Spirit week from Monday through Friday.The theme is Taylor Swift’s Era. Marion’s version.Monday was class color day. It was neon for the middle school, blue for freshman class, red for…

Ebels General Store comes to Evart

Editorial StaffOct 6, 20231 min read

By John RaffelCorrespondent EVART – Ebels General Store and the Ebels Family have announced in a press release it is expanding our to Foster’s Market in Evart.“We are thankful for this opportunity to have a new Ebels General Store location…

Township Hall rings with rebuild sounds

Editorial StaffOct 4, 20232 min read

By Scott Sullivan Editor Saugatuck Township will host an open house to celebrate, welcome and thank the community for making possible its redone hall. Stop in. The enlarged main entrance, now facing Clearbrook Drive south, not Blue Star Highway east,…

First Congregational plants donor tree

Editorial StaffOct 4, 20231 min read

Saugatuck’s First Congregational Church heads into its 164th year of ministry with good news: with congregation funds already raised the expansive, historic has replaced all eight furnaces and five air-conditioning units that keep it comfortable for guests. Much has changed…

Good Goods celebrates last Stroll

Editorial StaffOct 4, 20232 min read

Sandra Randolph opened Good Goods in 1989 in one room of the historic “White House” building on the corner of Mason and Water streets in Saugatuck. Thirty-plus years later the business fills two floors with fine art and American crafts…

Petter Gallery Stroll features feast

Editorial StaffOct 4, 20231 min read

J. Petter Galleries, 160 N. Blue Star, Hwy., will feature Rein Vanderhill’s fall painting shown, Kim Zahnow’s photo of a couple exploring other space interiors there and more during Fall Gallery Stroll 47 Saturday, Oct. 7. From 2-4 p.m. Eve…

Lewis to move, leaves city race

Editorial StaffOct 4, 20232 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorSaugatuck City Council member and former mayor Garnet Lewis Friday withdrew Friday from the Nov. 7 council race, leaving the city with three candidates — Holly Anderson, Russ Gardner and Logan White — for as many seats.Lewis and…

Local couple lead homecoming parade

Local couple lead homecoming parade

Editorial StaffOct 4, 20234 min read

Rosie and Tom Hunter were honored as Grand Marshalls of the Allegan High School Homecoming Parade on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. Photo courtesy of Aaron Rogers. By Gari Voss When the Allegan High School Homecoming Parade took to the streets…

Allegan County nurse imposter charged in indictment

Editorial StaffOct 4, 20233 min read

Leticia Gallarzo used the identity of a real nurse to obtain employment as a registered nurse U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten announced that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Leticia Gallarzo, 48, of…

Housing remains important issue in county

Editorial StaffOct 4, 20232 min read

By John RaffelCorrespondent ALLEGAN – Stephanie Calhoun of the Allegan County Community Foundation, and other representatives of agencies who are working to spur development of “affordable” housing for residents, recently provided an update on their activities.Allegan County Commissioner chair James…

Assault charges, crimes against police rise in county

Editorial StaffOct 4, 20232 min read

By John RaffelCorrespondent ALLEGAN – Allegan County Prosecuting Attorney Myrene Koch delivered her annual report to the Board of Commissioners Sept. 28.“The usual review of law enforcement activities included a surprise visitor, Joey, the canine therapy counselor used primarily with…

Otsego Band Invitational includes 19 bands

Otsego Band Invitational includes 19 bands

Editorial StaffOct 4, 20233 min read

The Otsego marching band performs. (Photo provided) By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Traditionally, the Otsego Band Invitational has been one of the largest high school band competitions in the state.That tradition continued this year.A total of 19 schools participated in the…

Flamingo fundraiser supports Plainwell’s Grad Bash

Flamingo fundraiser supports Plainwell’s Grad Bash

Editorial StaffOct 4, 20233 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Flocks of pink flamingos have started popping up on lawns in the Plainwell Community Schools district.No, these flamingos didn’t somehow mistake Plainwell for their tropical home. Rather, they are part of a fundraiser for Plainwell High…

Otsego experiences one of its busiest days ever

Otsego experiences one of its busiest days ever

Editorial StaffOct 4, 20233 min read

The Creative Arts Festival was one of three big events to take place in Otsego on Saturday, Sept. 30. The others were the Bulldog Invitational cross country meet and the Otsego Band Invitational. (Photo provided) By Jason WesseldykSports Editor The…

Protestors seeking qualified teachers rally at CCSD meeting

Protestors seeking qualified teachers rally at CCSD meeting

Editorial StaffOct 4, 20234 min read

LaFayette citizens comes out to protest No Equity No Peace with school consolidation Citizens and L-TAD members protest Chambers County Board meeting. LHS Counselor LaWendy Willis addresses the CCBOE. By John BriceCorrespondent Protesters from the LaFayette Teachers Against Displacement local…

9-year-old from LaFayette wins Auburn startup competition

9-year-old from LaFayette wins Auburn startup competition

Editorial StaffOct 4, 20233 min read

Addie Moultrie wins the Auburn Ideas Jam. By John BriceCorrespondent LaFayette native Addie Moultrie at only nine years old recently won the Auburn Ideas Jam startup competition as the owner of her Addie’s Crazy Cones business on Tuesday, September 26th…

Bond Set at $1 Million for Almena Township Man arraigned on assault with intent to murder

Bond Set at $1 Million for Almena Township Man arraigned on assault with intent to murder

Editorial StaffOct 4, 20232 min read

Gregory Charles Miller By Paul GarrodStaff Writer ALMENA TWP. – A 58-year-old Almena Township man is currently being held on a felony assault charge at the Van Buren County Jail with a bond set at $1 million, after he assaulted…

Smith, Reyna crowned king, queen in Lawrence

Smith, Reyna crowned king, queen in Lawrence

Editorial StaffOct 4, 20231 min read

The Lawrence Tigers 8-man football homecoming held Friday, Sept. 29, against Calvin Christian, saw Christian Smith named as king and Adrianna Reyna, queen.Photo courtesy Lawrence Public Schools